On Jan 29, 2024, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan hosted a meeting titled ‘Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative’ in the Afghan capital.[i] Reportedly, the meeting was addressed by the Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and was attended by representatives from neighbouring and regional countries.[ii] This was the first international meeting hosted by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan since they seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021.
According to reports in Afghan media,[iii] the key topics of discussion at the meeting included fostering positive interaction between regional countries and the Taliban government, enhancing coordination in regional cooperation, developing a unified regional narrative, and collaborating to harness economic opportunities in the region. The participating countries included India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.[iv] Reports suggest that the head of India’s ‘technical team’ in Kabul, participated in the meeting.[v]
The Taliban’s Message
Speaking at the inaugural session, the Taliban Foreign Minister stated that “regional security remains of grave importance” for the ruling authorities in Afghanistan.[vi] As per a Statement from the Taliban Foreign Ministry[vii], Muttaqi said, the cooperation with regional countries could focus on “exploring region-centric and engagement pathways based on common regional benefits, creating a region-centric narrative for positive & constructive engagement with the Afghanistan government to tackle existing & potential threats in the region.”
Muttaqi also highlighted the Taliban’s “economy-centered foreign policy” and the positive developments in trade and transit since their takeover in August 2021.[viii] He asked the participants to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Afghanistan for the development of the region and to also “coordinate the management of potential threats”. He emphasised the need for positive interactions with the countries of the region and asked the diplomats to convey the Taliban’s message of a “region-oriented initiative” to their countries so that Afghanistan and the region can jointly take advantage of new opportunities for the benefit of all.[ix]
It has been more than two years since the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan in the aftermath of withdrawal of the United States-led Western troops from the country; yet, the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve with no clear political solution in sight. So far, no country has recognized the Taliban regime although several countries have been engaging with them. China became the first country to appoint an Ambassador to Afghanistan last year, igniting speculations as to whether these developments signal China’s readiness to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. However, at that point Beijing chose to play down the hopes for a formal recognition of the regime by stating that the Taliban will need to introduce political reforms, improve security and mend relations with its neighbours in order to be considered for full diplomatic recognition.[x] On January 30, 2024, the Chinese President Xi Jinping formally accepted the credentials of Bilal Karimi as Taliban ruled Afghanistan’s Envoy to China in a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, along with Ambassadors from Cuba, Pakistan, Iran and 38 other countries.[xi]
Timing of the Taliban hosted Meeting
Despite completing more the two years in power, the Taliban regime continues to be under United Nations (UN) sanctions. The UN has also refused to give Afghanistan’s seat (at the UN) to the Taliban until they ease their restrictions on Afghan women’s freedom of movement and work and govern the country through an inclusive political setup representing all Afghan ethnicities. In this regard, the timing of the recently concluded meeting is significant. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host a two-day Conference on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar with member states, regional organizations, and special Afghanistan representatives on February 18, 2024.[xii] The UN sponsored meeting to take place in Doha is also expected to discuss the appointment of a U.N. Special Envoy for Afghanistan as per the recommendation of UN authorized assessment that has linked the recognition of the Taliban government to compliance with Afghanistan's international treaty obligations and commitments and the immediate removal of sweeping curbs on women's rights to education and employment opportunities. Muttaqi reiterated Kabul’s objection to the move, saying the world body already maintains its presence in Afghanistan and the Taliban administration is ready to engage with international stakeholders on all issues. He cautioned that previous “externally imposed” solutions and interventions led to instability in his conflict-torn South Asian nation.[xiii]
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be said that the first international meeting hosted by the Taliban regime was an important development as it saw participation of eleven regional and neighboring countries. During the meeting, the Taliban regime’s thrust on the regional concerns and regional cooperation was noteworthy, however, it seems the core objective of convening the meeting was to do some narrative reclaiming before the upcoming Doha Conference on Afghanistan. Since the Taliban is likely to be absent in that conference, Kabul is expecting the participants of the Taliban’s Regional Conference to convey the regime’s message to Doha. How the international community would respond to Taliban’s message, remains to be seen.
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*Dr. Anwesha Ghosh, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
The views expressed are personal.
[i] “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting held in Kabul”.Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: The Afghan Official Voice, 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.alemarahenglish.af/afghanistans-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting-held-in-kabul/ (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[ii] “Muttaqi advocates engagement at the Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting”. Khaama Press, 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.khaama.com/muttaqi-advocates-engagement-at-the-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting/. (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[iii] Ibid
[iv] “Afghanistan’s Taliban Host Multilateral Huddle To Promote Regional Cooperation” Voice of America. 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/afghanistan-s-taliban-host-multilateral-huddle-to-promote-regional-cooperation/7461769.html. (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[v] “India Participates in the Taliban's Regional Conference in Kabul”. The Wire, Jan 29, 2024. Available at: https://thewire.in/diplomacy/taliban-india-kabul-regional-conference-afghanistan. (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[vi] “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting held in Kabul”.Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: The Afghan Official Voice, 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.alemarahenglish.af/afghanistans-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting-held-in-kabul/ (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[vii] “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting held in Kabul”.Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: The Afghan Official Voice, 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.alemarahenglish.af/afghanistans-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting-held-in-kabul/ (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[viii] Muttaqi advocates engagement at the Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting”. Khaama Press, 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.khaama.com/muttaqi-advocates-engagement-at-the-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting/. (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[ix] “India among 10 countries to participate in meeting convened by Taliban in Kabul.” Hindustan Times, Jan 29, 2024. Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-among-10-countries-to-participate-in-meeting-convened-by-taliban-in-kabul-101706549349569.html (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[x] “China became the fist country to host Taliban Ambassador”. ICWA Viewpoint, Dec 14, 2024. Available at: /show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=10268&lid=6538(Accessed on 30.1.24)
[xi] “China's President Receives Afghan Ambassador; Taliban Seek Recognition From Russia, Iran.” Voice of America, Jan 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/china-s-president-receives-afghan-ambassador-taliban-seek-recognition-from-russia-iran-/7463837.html (Accessed on 31.1.24)
[xii] “UN Chief to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan in Doha February 18-19”. Tolo news, Jan 25, 2024. Available at: https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187128. (Accessed on 30.1.24)
[xiii] “Afghanistan’s Taliban Host Multilateral Huddle To Promote Regional Cooperation” Voice of America. 29 Jan, 2024. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/afghanistan-s-taliban-host-multilateral-huddle-to-promote-regional-cooperation/7461769.html. (Accessed on 30.1.24)